Traveling to continental Spain

Two weeks exploring continental Spain! With a population of around 47 million, Spain offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. This trip focused on the mainland, saving the islands for another adventure.

Fun fact: Spain has the second-highest number of bars per capita in the world (after Cyprus), and the tradition of tapas originated in Andalusia.

What I Experienced

Barcelona was a major highlight - Gaudí's masterpieces alone are worth the trip. La Sagrada Família is unlike any church I've ever seen, and Park Güell offers stunning views over the city. The Gothic Quarter's narrow streets are perfect for getting lost.

A day trip to Montserrat National Park provided a dramatic contrast - the jagged rock formations rising from the landscape look almost otherworldly. The monastery perched among the peaks has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.

The Spanish approach to life - late dinners, long conversations, and a general sense of enjoying the moment - is infectious. I found myself adapting to the rhythm: siestas suddenly made perfect sense.

Practical Notes

• November offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists
• Spain runs on a later schedule - dinner rarely starts before 9 PM
• Tapas hopping is the best way to experience local cuisine
• The train network (RENFE) connects major cities efficiently
• Montserrat is an easy day trip from Barcelona - take the mountain railway for the experience
• Learn a few Spanish phrases - locals appreciate the effort

High-resolution aerial panoramas from Spain are available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for European travel marketing, Mediterranean destination content, or dramatic mountain landscape wall art.